A Cold Wind
Main Cast: Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Joan Allen, Tobey Maguire
Director: Ang Lee
I must admit that I enjoy rather solemn, perhaps slightly depressing human studies every now and again, and this film certainly qualifies. A very well-crafted tale of human emotions and the daily rhythms of life, it delves deep into the psyche and reveals many unpleasant truths. The story? Well, it’s 1973, and the two neighboring families, the Carvers and Hoods, decide to share the Thanksgiving holiday together. They live in a seeming perfect suburbia of New Canaan, Connecticut. And the city itself is certainly a character, or plays the part as a silent one, in this movie. The scenery is colorful and striking, wonderful to look at as the characters go about their lives.
While the older adults play their parts skillfully and well, such as Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver, the younger actors are the ones that stand out and shine. Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, and Elijah Wood all grab hold of their characters and bring out the angst and deep emotions of youth, while also keeping within the boundaries of their personalities.
I can recommend this one when you wish to sit back and contemplate a studied drama and shifting human emotions. It was a good study, skillfully done.
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